Body sculpting garment

ABSTRACT

A garment wearable by a wearer is provided. The garment includes an outer fabric portion and an inner fabric portion. The inner fabric portion includes a central compression portion. The central compression portion is attached to the outer fabric portion. The central compression portion includes a waist covering portion of the garment. The central compression portion has a higher elastic modulus than that of the outer fabric portion. A fastener is provided to removably fasten together opposing edges that define an opening that extends downwardly from an upper end of the garment. The fastener is configured to open and close the opening to help the wearer put on and take off the garment.

FIELD

This application relates to a body sculpting garment.

BACKGROUND

Users that wear garments such as swimsuits may want to have particular body portions be compressed so as to have a an “hourglass” shape. Specifically, wearers desire a curvy look where the bust is lifted, the front and back waist is reduced and the stomach is flattened but the hips and buttocks are not compressed. There are swimsuits that feature a compression lining but the lining may lack flexibility and makes the swimsuit tight. In particular, these versions of slimming swimsuits have used a sewn or bonded lining that is tighter and/or less stretchy than the outer fabric portion to smooth the body. This also makes it more difficult for users to put on the swimsuit and to take off the swimsuit. Also, the swimsuit with this compression lining produces undesirable bulging at the leg opening. Further, the lining and /or bonding only smooths the stomach, it does not offer targeted compression to the entire waistline.

Garments such as swimsuits may benefit from improvements.

SUMMARY

In one aspect of the present invention, a garment wearable by a wearer is provided. The garment includes an outer fabric portion and an inner fabric portion. The inner fabric portion includes a central compression portion. The central compression portion is attached to the outer fabric portion. The central compression portion includes a waist covering portion of the garment. The central compression portion has a higher elastic modulus than that of the outer fabric portion. A fastener is provided to removably fasten together opposing edges that define an opening that extends downwardly from an upper end of the garment. The fastener is configured to open and close the opening to help the wearer put on and take off the garment.

In another aspect of the present invention, a garment wearable by a wearer is provided. The garment includes an outer fabric portion. The outer fabric portion includes end portions that define leg openings. Each of the end portions includes a single layer of self-start mesh. The inner fabric portion includes a central compression portion. The central compression portion is attached to the outer fabric portion. The central compression portion includes a waist covering portion of the garment. The central compression portion has a higher elastic modulus than that of the outer fabric portion.

In another aspect of the present invention, the garment includes an outer fabric portion and an inner fabric portion. The inner fabric portion includes a central compression portion. The central compression portion is attached to the outer fabric portion. The central compression portion includes a waist covering portion of the garment. The central compression portion has a higher elastic modulus than that of the outer fabric portion. The central compression portion includes first and second compression fabric layers. The first and second compression fabric layers form a double layer of power mesh fabric.

Other aspects of the disclosed invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, the accompanying drawings and the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a front view of the outer fabric portion of a one-piece swimsuit according to a first embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 1B is a rear view of the outer fabric portion of the one-piece swimsuit of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 1C is an inner view of the front of the one-piece swimsuit in either FIGS. 1A or 2A;

FIG. 1D is an inner view of the rear of the one-piece swimsuit in either FIGS. 1B or 2B;

FIG. 2A is a front view of the outer fabric portion of a one-piece swimsuit according to a second embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2B is a rear view of the outer fabric portion of the one-piece swimsuit of FIG. 2A;

FIG. 3A is a front view of the outer fabric portion of a one-piece swimsuit according to a third embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3B is a rear view of the outer fabric portion of the one-piece swimsuit of FIG. 3A;

FIG. 3C is an inner view of the front of the one-piece swimsuit in FIG. 3A;

FIG. 3D is an inner view of the rear of the one-piece swimsuit in FIG. 3B;

FIG. 4A is a front view of the outer fabric portion of a one-piece swimsuit according to a fourth embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4B is a rear view of the outer fabric portion of the one-piece swimsuit of FIG. 4A;

FIG. 4C is an inner view of the front of the one-piece swimsuit in FIG. 4A;

FIG. 4D is an inner view of the rear of the one-piece swimsuit in FIG. 4B;

FIG. 5A is a front view of the outer fabric portion of a one-piece swimsuit according to a fifth embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5B is a rear view of the outer fabric portion of the one-piece swimsuit of FIG. 5A;

FIG. 5C is an inner view of the front of the one-piece swimsuit in FIG. 5A;

FIG. 5D is an inner view of the rear of the one-piece swimsuit in FIG. 5B;

FIG. 6A is a front view of the outer fabric portion of a two-piece swimsuit according to a sixth embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6B is a rear view of the outer fabric portion of the two-piece swimsuit of FIG. 6A;

FIG. 6C is an inner view of the front of the two-piece swimsuit in FIG. 6A;

FIG. 6D is an inner view of the rear of the two-piece swimsuit in FIG. 6B;

FIG. 7A is a front view of the outer fabric portion of a two-piece swimsuit according to a seventh embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 7B is a rear view of the outer fabric portion of the two-piece swimsuit of FIG. 7A;

FIG. 7C is an inner view of the front of the two-piece swimsuit in FIG. 7A;

FIG. 7D is an inner view of the rear of the two-piece swimsuit in FIG. 7B;

FIG. 8 is a schematic partial exploded view of a portion of the outer fabric layer positioned on the self-lining layer according to the present invention; and

FIG. 9 is a schematic partial exploded view of a portion of the outer fabric layer positioned on the doubled layer power mesh fabric.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It will be readily understood that the components of the embodiments as generally described and illustrated in the figures herein, may be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations in addition to the described example embodiments. Thus, the following more detailed description of the example embodiments, as represented in the figures, is not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments, as claimed, but is merely representative of example embodiments.

Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In the following description, numerous specific details are provided to give a thorough understanding of embodiments. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that the various embodiments can be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, etc. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obfuscation. The following description is intended only by way of example, and simply illustrates certain example embodiments.

Throughout the present description, the terms “upper”, “lower”, “top”, “bottom”, “left”, “right”, “front”, “forward”, “rear”, and “rearward” shall define directions or orientations with respect to the swimsuit as illustrated in FIG. 1A. It will be understood that the spatially relative terms “upper”, “lower”, “top”, “bottom”, “left”, “right”, “front”, “forward”, “rear”, and “rearward” are intended to encompass different orientations of the swimsuit in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the swimsuit in the figures is turned over, elements described as “upper” elements or features would then be “lower” elements or features.

Referring to FIGS. 1A to 1D, a one-piece style swimsuit 10 is shown. It should be noted that other types of garments such as lingerie may incorporate the features of the present invention. The swimsuit includes an inner fabric portion 12 (FIGS. 1C and 1D) and an outer fabric portion 14 (FIGS. 1A and 1B).

As seen in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the outer fabric portion 14 of the suit comprises an outer fabric layer 16 a that has an hourglass shaped lower portion 18 with upper shoulder portions 20 that define the arm openings 22. The leg openings 24 of the swimsuit are defined by end portions 26 of the outer fabric portion 14. Each end portion 26 comprises a single layer of self-start mesh. The self-start mesh layer uses the natural edge of the fabric created during knitting and does not require a hem, binding or finishing at the free edge that may contribute to bulging and may unravel over time. The end portions 26 are attached by stitching, bonding or other suitable way to outer side ends 28 of the outer fabric layer 16 a and self-lining layer 16 b.

As seen in FIGS. 1C and 1D, the inner fabric portion 12 comprises a central compression fabric portion 30 and self-lining layer 16 b. The central compression fabric portion 30 comprises outer and inner compression layers 30 a, 30 b (FIG. 9) that form a double layer of power mesh fabric. The outer and inner second compression layers 30 a, 30 b of the power mesh fabric are attached to each other and to the outer fabric layer 16 a with the outer fabric layer 16 a positioned over the outer layer 30 a as illustrated in FIG. 9. The outer fabric layer 16 a is also attached to the self-lining layer 16 b and covers the self-lining layer 16 b. The central compression fabric portion 30 is substantially an hourglass shaped and fits around the waist, belly, and lower back areas of a wearer but does not cover the bust, upper back, and buttock areas. The central compression fabric portion 30 extends from a bust covering portion 33 of the swimsuit at just below the wearer's bust to just above the respective bottom edges of the self-lining layer 16 b. The central compression fabric portion 30 also extends laterally between the side ends 28 of the self-lining layer 16 b near the leg openings 24.

The central compression fabric portion 30 comprises a waist covering portion 37 that is located inside the garment waist and reduces waist girth and stomach protrusion when the swimsuit is worn. The power mesh fabric of the central compression fabric portion 30 may be made of 100 percent nylon. The power mesh fabric acts as a heavy weight compression layer and is much less elastic than swimwear fabrics primarily composed of lycra or spandex or other elastic fiber type material. The central compression fabric portion 30 has a higher elastic modulus than that of the outer fabric portion 14, the self-lining layer 16 b and end portions 26. The power mesh fabric of the central compression fabric portion 30 provides superior hold and sculpting benefits due to its lack of stretch. It is also lightweight and does not add bulk to garments.

The swimsuit 10 further comprises an elastic support band 34 that is stitched, bonded or otherwise attached to the upper end of the central compression fabric portion 30. The elastic support band 34 is located downwardly adjacent the bust covering portion 33 and fits under the bust area of the wearer to provide support to the bust area. A decorative mesh insert 36 (FIG. 1A) may be attached to the inner edges of the shoulder portions 20 of the outer fabric layer 16 a. A central zipper placket 38 is stitched, bonded or otherwise attached to the swimsuit 10 and extends from the center of the upper end of the mesh insert 36 down along the central compression fabric portion 30 and terminating at a hip portion 35 of the swimsuit 10 that is at a height that is approximately that of the hips of the wearer of the swimsuit when the swimsuit 10 is worn on the wearer. The hip portion 35 is shaped to resemble the hips of the wearer of the swimsuit 10. The length of the zipper placket 38 may be two-thirds of the distance from the center of the upper end of the mesh insert 36 to the lower end of crotch panel 44. The zipper placket 38 includes a zipper 40 (FIG. 1A) that removably binds opposing edges of an opening defined by the zipper placket 38 to open and close the opening. The zipper placket 38 enables or helps the wearer to easily put on and take off the swimsuit 10, since without the zipper placket 38 or other suitable alternative fastener for the opening, the inelastic power mesh fabric would make putting on and off the swimsuit 10 more difficult. Adjustable shoulder straps 42 are attached to the shoulder portions and extend over the shoulder when the swimsuit 10 is worn by the wearer. The shoulder straps 42 crisscross at the rear side (FIG. 1B) of the swimsuit 10. Removable pads may be inserted through openings 43 (FIG. 1C) of inner pockets 45 formed by the self-lining layer 16 at the shoulder portions 20.

At the leg opening 24 there is only the single mesh layer that defines the leg opening 24. This single layer of fabric at the leg opening 24 does not apply as much compression to the leg areas as the double layers thereby reducing bulges of the skin. The swimsuit 10 further includes crotch panel 44 that is reinforced with a double layer of self-fabric to minimize the appearance of the vaginal lips when the swimsuit 10 is worn by the female wearer. The swimsuit 10 may expand by unzipping it to enable putting the swimsuit 10 on and off the wearer. The zipper placket 38 may be in the front or back and may be visible or an invisible. The single mesh layer 26 at the leg opening maybe be sheer or opaque.

The swimsuit 10 is put on by using the zipper 40 to unzip the opening defined by the zipper placket 38, extending the legs through the leg openings 24, pulling the swimsuit 10 over the buttocks and thighs, extending the arms through the arm openings 22, placing the shoulder straps 42 over the shoulders, and then using the zipper 40 to zip up the opening defined by the zipper placket 38. The shoulder straps 42 can then be adjusted by strap adjusters 46 to be tighter or looser around the shoulder as desired. The swimsuit 10 can be worn for swimming, sunbathing, or as a bodysuit.

Because of the lack of elasticity resulting in poor stretching at the front and back waist due to the double layer power mesh construction, the shape of the waist area of the swimsuit mirrors the shape of the wearer. A wearer with a high waist to hip ratio (meaning waist is small compared to the hip, known as a “curvy” body type) will require a swimsuit with a similar, but smaller, ratio. A wearer with a low waist to hip ratio (known as a “straight” or “square” body type) will require a swimsuit with a less severe waist shape so the wearer does not experience unnatural and uncomfortable denting or buckling at the waist. A swimsuit with lacing (as disclosed in the following third, fourth, fifth, and sixth embodiments) will allow for the wearer to adjust the size of the waist. But a non-adjustable suit will require multiple fits (ie standard, curvy, straight, round (also known as “apple” body type).

FIGS. 2A and 2B show a second embodiment of the present invention. This second embodiment comprises a swimsuit 100 that includes an outer fabric portion 114 that is similar to the outer fabric portion 14 of the embodiment of FIGS. 1A and 1B, except for the following. The outer fabric portion 114 of the swimsuit 100 comprises an outer fabric layer 116 a that has an hourglass shaped lower portion 118 that is smaller in width than the lower portion 18 of the swimsuit 10 of the first embodiment. The lower portion 118 is positioned between singled layered self-start mesh fabric panels 150 of the outer fabric portion 114 that are located on the right and left sides of the swimsuit 100. Each of the self-start mesh panel 150 is convexly curved at its upper section and then slightly concavely curved at its lower section and is stitched at its side ends to the corresponding side ends of the hourglass shaped lower portion 118. The central compression fabric portion 30 has a higher elastic modulus than that of the outer fabric portion 114, the self-lining layer 16 b, end portions 26, and mesh fabric panels 150. Also, in this second embodiment, the shoulder straps 142 are not crisscrossed at the rear side of the swimsuit 100. The inner fabric portion 12 as well as all other elements of this second embodiment are similar in structure and function to that of the first embodiment.

FIGS. 3A to 3D show a third embodiment of the present invention. This third embodiment comprises a swimsuit 300. The outer fabric portion 314 is similar to the outer fabric portion 14 of the embodiment of FIGS. 1A and 1B, except for the following. In this third embodiment, lacing 352 is provided instead of the zipper placket. A u-shaped opening 356 extends from the center of the upper end of the swimsuit 300 down along the central compression fabric portion 30 and terminates at a hip portion 35 of the swimsuit 300 that is at a height that is approximately that of the hips of the wearer of the swimsuit when the swimsuit 300 is worn on the wearer. The hip portion 35 is shaped to resemble the hips of the wearer of the swimsuit 300. The length of the opening 356 may be two-thirds of the distance from the center of the upper end of the swimsuit 300 to the lower end of crotch panel 44. The lacing 352 extends across the u-shaped opening 356. The lacing 352 extends through eyelets 354 that are located along the opposing inner ends that define the opening 356 at the back of the swimsuit 300. The lacing 352 enables or helps the wearer to easily put on and take off the swimsuit 10, since without the lacing 352 or other suitable alternative fastener for the opening 356, the inelastic power mesh fabric would make putting on and off the swimsuit 300 more difficult. The straps 342 are not crisscrossed. The ends of the lacing 352 are tied together to help keep the straps 342 around the shoulders of a wearer of the swimsuit 300. Also, the decorative mesh is removed. The inner fabric portion 312 is similar to the inner fabric portion 12 of the first embodiment, except that the u-shaped opening in the center of the back of the swimsuit extends further down so that the lacing 352 extending across the opening 356 to better adjust the width of the opening to in turn adjust the waist size of the swimsuit 300.

In this third embodiment, the swimsuit 300 may expand by untying and loosening the lacing 352 to enable putting the swimsuit 300 on and off the wearer. The lacing 352 may be in the front or back of the swimsuit 300. The swimsuit 300 is put on by untying the lacing 352, extending the legs through the leg openings 24, pulling the swimsuit 300 over buttocks and thighs, extending the arms through the arm openings 22, placing the shoulder straps 342 over the shoulders, and then pulling and tying the ends of the lacing 352 together as desired to adjust the width of the opening 356. The shoulder straps 342 can then be adjusted to be tighter or looser around the shoulder as desired. The swimsuit 300 can be worn for swimming, sunbathing, or as a bodysuit. The other elements of this third embodiment are similar in structure and function to that of the first embodiment.

FIGS. 4A to 4D show a fourth embodiment of the present invention. This fourth embodiment comprises a swimsuit 400. The swimsuit 400 of this fourth embodiment is similar to the swimsuit 300 of the third embodiment except that the shoulder straps 442 are crisscrossed. All other elements of this second embodiment are similar in structure and function to that of the third embodiment.

FIGS. 5A to 5D show a fifth embodiment of the present invention. This fifth embodiment comprises a swimsuit 500. The swimsuit 500 of this fifth embodiment is similar to the swimsuit 300 of the third embodiment except that neck straps 542 are provided instead of the shoulder straps 342. The neck straps 542 extend behind the neck of a wearer from upper shoulder portions 520 of the self-lining layer with the ends of the neck straps 542 tied together. All other elements of this fifth embodiment are similar in structure and function to that of the third embodiment.

FIGS. 6A to 6D show a sixth embodiment of the present invention. This sixth embodiment comprises a two-piece swimsuit 600. The swimsuit 600 includes a top portion 602 and a bottom portion 603. The top portion 602 has a pair of cup portions 604. The cup portions 604 are area attached to each other and cover the bust of the wearer. The cup portions 604 are made of an outer fabric layer 606 a and a self-lining fabric layer 606 b. Removable pads may be inserted through inner openings 643 (FIG. 6C) of inner pockets 645 formed by the outer fabric layer 606 a and the self-lining layer 606 b at the cup portions 604. Neck straps 642 are attached to the cup portions 604 and extend behind the neck of a wearer with the ends of the neck straps 642 tied together. Back straps 647 are attached to the cup portions 604 and extend behind the back of the wearer of the swimsuit 600 with the ends of the back straps 647 tied together.

As seen in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the bottom portion 603 comprises an outer fabric portion 614 that has an outer fabric layer 616 a. Similar to the third embodiment, the swimsuit 600 includes leg openings 24 of the swimsuit that are defined by end portions 26. Each end portion 26 comprises a single layer of self-start mesh. The self-start mesh layer uses the natural edge of the fabric created during knitting and does not require a hem, binding or finishing at the edge that may contribute to bulging and may unravel over time. The end portions 26 are attached by stitching, bonding or other suitable way to outer side ends 28 of the self-lining layer 616.

As seen in FIGS. 6C and 6D, the bottom portion 603 has an inner fabric portion 612 that comprises the central compression fabric portion 30 and a self-lining layer 616 b. The central compression fabric portion 30 comprises outer and inner compression layers 30 a, 30 b (FIG. 9) that form a double layer of power mesh fabric. The outer and inner second compression layers 30 a, 30 b of the power mesh fabric are attached to each other and to the outer fabric layer 616 a with the outer fabric layer 616 a positioned over the outer layer 30 a as illustrated in FIG. 9. The outer fabric layer 616 a is also attached to the self-lining layer 616 b and covers the self-lining layer 616 b as illustrated in FIG. 8. The central compression fabric portion 30 is substantially an hourglass shaped and fits around the waist, belly, and lower back areas of a wearer but does not cover the bust, upper back, and buttock areas. The central compression fabric portion 30 extends from just below the wearer's chest or bust to just above the respective bottom edges of the self-lining layer 616 b. The central compression fabric portion 30 also extends laterally between the side ends 28 of the self-lining layer 616 b near the leg openings 24.

The central compression fabric portion 30 comprises a waist covering portion 37 that is located inside the garment waist and reduces waist girth and stomach protrusion when the swimsuit is worn. The power mesh fabric of the central compression fabric portion 30 may be made of 100 percent nylon. The power mesh fabric acts as a heavy weight compression layer and is much less elastic than swimwear fabrics primarily composed of lycra or spandex or other elastic fiber type material. The central compression fabric portion 30 has a higher elastic modulus than that of the outer fabric portion 614, the self-lining layer 616 b, and end portions 26. The power mesh fabric of the central compression fabric portion 30 provides superior hold and sculpting benefits due to its lack of stretch. It is also lightweight and does not add bulk to garments.

A u-shaped opening 656 (FIG. 6B) extends from the center of the upper end of the bottom portion 603 down along the central compression fabric portion 30 and terminating at a hip portion 35 of the swimsuit 600 that is at a height that is approximately that of the hips of the wearer of the swimsuit when the swimsuit 600 is worn on the wearer. The hip portion 35 is shaped to resemble the hips of the wearer of the swimsuit 600. The length of the opening 656 may be one-half of the distance from the center of the upper end of the bottom portion 603 to the lower end of crotch panel 44. The lacing 652 extends across the u-shaped opening 656. The lacing 652 extends through eyelets 654 that are located along the opposing inner ends that define the opening 656 at the back of the swimsuit 600. The ends of the lacing 652 are tied together. The lacing 652 enables or helps the wearer to easily put on and take off the bottom portion 603, since without the lacing 652 or other suitable alternative fastener for the opening, the inelastic power mesh fabric would make putting on and off the swimsuit 600 more difficult.

In this sixth embodiment, the bottom portion 603 of the swimsuit 603 may expand by untying and loosening the lacing 652 to enable putting the swimsuit 600 on and off the wearer. The lacing 652 may be in the front or back of the swimsuit 600. The swimsuit 600 is put on by untying the lacing 652, extending the legs through the leg openings 24, pulling the bottom portion 603 to just below the bust, and then pulling and tying the ends of the lacing 652 together as desired to adjust the width of the opening 656. The top portion 602 is the put on with the cup portions 604 covering the bust. The neck straps 642 are extended behind the neck of a wearer with the ends of the neck straps 642 tied together. The back straps 647 are also extended behind the back of the wearer of the swimsuit 600 with the ends of the back straps 647 tied together. All other elements of this sixth embodiment are similar in structure and function to that of the third embodiment.

FIGS. 7A to 7D show a seventh embodiment of the present invention. This seventh embodiment comprises a two-piece swimsuit 700. The swimsuit 700 includes a top portion 702 and a bottom portion 703. The top portion 702 has a bust covering portion 704. The top portion 702 includes an elastic doubled on fold self-band 705 below the bust covering portion 704. The bust covering portion 704 is made of an outer fabric layer 706 a and a self-lining fabric layer 706 b. Removable pads may be inserted through inner openings 743 (FIG. 7C) of inner pockets 745 formed by the layers 706 a, 706 b at the bust covering portion 704. Adjustable shoulder straps 742 are attached to the top portion 702 and extend over the shoulder when the swimsuit 700 is worn by the wearer with the ends of the shoulder straps 742 tied together. The top portion 702 has clasps 711 on the back for fastening the side ends of the top portion 702 together.

As seen in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the bottom portion 703 comprises an outer fabric portion 714 that has an outer fabric layer 716 a. Similar to the sixth embodiment, the swimsuit 700 includes leg openings 24 of the swimsuit that are defined by end portions 26. Each end portion 26 comprises a single layer of self-start mesh. The self-start mesh layer uses the natural edge of the fabric created during knitting and does not require a hem, binding or finishing at the edge that may contribute to bulging and may unravel over time. The end portions 26 are attached by stitching, bonding or other suitable way to outer side ends 28 of the self-lining layer 716.

As seen in FIGS. 7C and 7D, the bottom portion 703 has an inner fabric portion 712 that comprises a central compression fabric portion 30. The central compression fabric portion 30 comprises outer and inner compression layers 30 a, 30 b (FIG. 9) that form a double layer of power mesh fabric. The outer and inner second compression layers 30 a, 30 b of the power mesh fabric are attached to each other and to the outer fabric layer 716 a with the outer fabric layer 716 a positioned over the outer layer 30 a as illustrated in FIG. 9. The outer fabric layer 716 a is also attached to the self-lining layer 716 b and covers the self-lining layer 716 b as illustrated in FIG. 8.. The central compression fabric portion 30 is substantially an hourglass shaped and fits around the waist, belly, and lower back areas of a wearer but does not cover the bust, upper back, and buttock areas. The central compression fabric portion 30 extends from below the wearer's chest or bust to just above the respective bottom edges of the self-lining layer 16. The central compression fabric portion 30 also extends laterally between the side ends of the self-lining layer 716 near the leg openings 24. The bottom portion 703 also includes a doubled on fold self-band 709 located just above the central compression fabric portion 30.

The central compression fabric portion 30 comprises a waist covering portion 37 that is located inside the garment waist and reduces waist girth and stomach protrusion when the swimsuit is worn. The power mesh fabric of the central compression fabric portion 30 may be made of 100 percent nylon. The power mesh fabric acts as a heavy weight compression layer and is much less elastic than swimwear fabrics primarily composed of lycra or spandex or other elastic fiber type material. The central compression fabric portion 30 has a higher elastic modulus than that of the outer fabric portion 14, which includes the self-lining layer 716 and end portions 26. The power mesh fabric of the central compression fabric portion 30 provides superior hold and sculpting benefits due to its lack of stretch. It is also lightweight and does not add bulk to garments.

A central zipper placket 738 is stitched, bonded or otherwise attached to the swimsuit 10 and extends from the center of the upper end of the bottom portion 703 down along the central compression fabric portion 30 and terminating at a hip portion 35 of the swimsuit 10. The zipper placket 738 includes a zipper 740 (FIG. 7A) that removably binds opposing edges of an opening defined by the zipper placket 738 to open and close the opening. The zipper placket 738 enables or helps the wearer to easily put on and take off the bottom portion 703, since without the zipper placket 738 or other suitable alternative fastener for the opening, the inelastic power mesh fabric would make putting on and off the swimsuit 700 more difficult.

The swimsuit 700 may expand by unzipping it to enable the bottom portion 703 to be put on and off by the wearer. The zipper placket 738 may be in the front or back and may be visible or an invisible. The single mesh layer 26 at the leg opening maybe be sheer or opaque.

The swimsuit 700 is put on by using the zipper 740 to unzip the opening defined by the zipper placket 738, extending the legs through the leg openings 24, pulling the bottom portion 703 over the buttocks and thighs, and using the zipper 740 to zip up the opening defined by the zipper placket 738. The top portion 702 is put on by extending the arms through the arm openings 22, placing the shoulder straps 742 over the shoulders, and then fastening the clasps 711 together. All other elements of this seventh embodiment are similar in structure and function to that of the sixth embodiment.

The swimsuit of the present invention has several advantages including lifting up the breasts, smoothing the stomach, reducing waist girth, prohibiting or minimizing bulges of the buttocks and outer thigh at the leg opening and is relatively easy (considering the tight fit) to put on and take off because it can be unzipped or unlaced. The present invention provides maximum compression at the front and back waist and stomach but gradually reduces the amount of compression at the buttocks, hips and thighs to create an hourglass shape without bulges at the leg opening.

The swimsuit of the present invention includes an outer fabric portion and an inner fabric portion. The inner fabric portion includes a double layer central compression portion. The central compression portion covers the front and back waist only and does not extend to the bust or rear of the wearer. The central compression portion has a higher elastic modulus than that of the outer fabric portion. The outer fabric portion includes end portions that define leg openings. Each of the end portions includes a single layer of self-start mesh to lessen the appearance of bulges that are created by a tight fabric. The mesh does not have a sewn edge which prevents unraveling. A fastener is provided to removably fasten together opposing edges that define an opening that extends downwardly from an upper end of the garment. The fastener is configured to open and close the opening to help the wearer put on and take off the garment.

Although various embodiments of the disclosed body sculpting garment have been shown and described, modifications may occur to those skilled in the art upon reading the specification. The present application includes such modifications and is limited only by the scope of the claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A garment wearable by a wearer, the garment comprising: an outer fabric portion; an inner fabric portion, wherein the inner fabric portion includes a central compression portion, wherein the central compression portion is attached to the outer fabric portion, wherein the central compression portion comprises a waist covering portion of the garment, wherein the central compression portion has a higher elastic modulus than that of the outer fabric portion; and a fastener, wherein the fastener removably fastens together opposing edges that define an opening that extends downwardly from an upper end of the garment, wherein the fastener is configured to open and close the opening to help the wearer put on and take off the garment.
 2. The garment of claim 1, wherein the central compression portion includes first and second compression fabric layers, wherein the first and second compression fabric layers form a double layer of power mesh fabric.
 3. The garment of claim 1, wherein the fastener comprises a zipper placket, wherein the zipper placket extends downwardly from an upper end of the garment.
 4. The garment of claim 1, wherein the fastener comprises lacing, wherein the lacing extends through eyelets provided on the opposing edges.
 5. The garment of claim 1, wherein the outer fabric portion includes end portions that define leg openings, wherein each of the end portions comprises a single layer of self-start mesh.
 6. The garment of claim 1, wherein the inner fabric portion comprises a self-lining layer.
 7. The garment of claim 1, further comprising a bust covering portion, wherein the inner fabric portion further comprises an elastic support band positioned between the central compression portion and the bust covering portion.
 8. The garment of claim 1, wherein the garment is a swimsuit.
 9. A garment wearable by a wearer, the garment comprising: an outer fabric portion, wherein the outer fabric portion includes end portions that define leg openings, wherein each of the end portions comprises a single layer of self-start mesh; and an inner fabric portion, wherein the inner fabric portion includes a central compression portion, wherein the central compression portion is attached to the outer fabric portion, wherein the central compression portion comprises a waist covering portion of the garment, wherein the central compression portion has a higher elastic modulus than that of the outer fabric portion.
 10. The garment of claim 9, wherein the central compression portion includes first and second compression fabric layers, wherein the first and second compression fabric layers form a double layer of power mesh fabric.
 11. The garment of claim 9, further comprising a bust covering portion, wherein the inner fabric portion further comprises an elastic support band positioned between the central compression portion and the bust covering portion.
 12. The garment of claim 9, wherein each of the end portions does not have a sewn edge.
 13. A garment wearable by a wear, the garment comprising: an outer fabric portion; and an inner fabric portion, wherein the inner fabric portion includes a central compression portion, wherein the central compression portion is attached to the outer fabric portion, wherein the central compression portion comprises a waist covering portion of the garment, wherein the central compression portion has a higher elastic modulus than that of the outer fabric portion, wherein the central compression portion includes first and second compression fabric layers wherein the central compression portion includes first and second compression fabric layers, wherein the first and second compression fabric layers form a double layer of power mesh fabric.
 14. The garment of claim 12, further comprising a bust covering portion, wherein the inner fabric portion further comprises an elastic support band positioned between the central compression portion and the bust covering portion.
 15. The garment of claim 12, further comprising a crotch portion, wherein the crotch panel comprises a double layer of self-fabric.
 16. The garment of claim 12, wherein the central compression portion consists of a waist covering portion. 